February 26

Life is just one adventure after another, is it now?

In a fit of jealous rage that Barbara got to be in the hospital, I myself endeavored to get myself committed this evening. Or, something like that.

Actually, after a rather stressful day, late this afternoon I begin having difficulty breathing. A blast from my asthma inhaler didn't help, and my chest continued to tighten. I finally got to the point where I couldn't hardly breathe, and I was very dizzy and disoriented. Barbara's nurse came in the room and quickly got me into a wheel chair and took me to the emergency room. I got to put on one of those nifty little hospital gowns (actually, somebody put it on me). Next, thanks to their concern about my heart, a needle was stuck into my hand. I had forgotten just how much those stupid things hurt, and that they don't stop hurting. They strapped me up to some oxygen, and then after x-rays, blood tests, and EKG, and 3 hours, they determined that I was one healthy young horse. Of course, it is always quite satisfying to be reminded that here in my early 40s, that I am indeed still young. Take that all you young of age that believe me to be among the geiserly. The very nice doctor who attended to me believes I had an anxiety attack. I'm supposed to check in with my family doc in the next couple of days (hear that, Karen?). The primary after effect that I still have this evening are 2 very sore back-of hands, and a couple of really sore, sticky, bald patches on my chest from ripping off EKG patches loaded with chest hair. Remind me to never get sick like that again.

Incidentally, speaking of being young... as I write this, I have on late night TV, and one of those overly angst-ridden young bands in on the air. Note to young artists: find some new shtick. The angst-ridden young hipster dude with the toboggan cap and low riding jeans act is getting a bit old.

But I digress.

The real intent here is to update you on Barbara's condition (hence the title, "How's Barbara Doing?"). Today we learned that the target date for Barbara to go home is March 14. Much to Barbara's dismay, the plan for her rehab assumes that she will still need something called "max assist" at home. This does not assume that our dog Max will make her well with the homeopathic curative ability of dog spit, applied with generous dog kisses. (I'm beginning to think by oxygen deprivation has affected my brain tonight. Either that, or I'm really, really tired.) The deal on Barbara is that they believe she will likely need a hospital bed at home, and will not be able to do much on her own. This news distressed her, but then I encouraged her that merely by surviving, she outperformed most doctors' expectations for her. We are also clinging to my prayer of early on that should God choose to heal her earthly body, that He would do it all the way. So, Barbara is determined to overcome all obstacles. Pray for us still, please!

*** HELP *** HELP *** HELP ***

Here's where we need prayers and more. We now face bringing Barbara back to a parsonage that is not at all handicap accessible. In fact, our home is a quad level, and we basically live on one floor where we have used the family room as a bedroom as well. There is a small bath with shower on this level. However, the door is not wide enough for a wheel chair, and the shower is approximately 6 inches or so off of the ground. In short, we need a bathroom that is equipped to accommodate Barbara's additional handicaps as she (hopefully and prayerfully) recoups over the months ahead. While our church people are extraordinarily loving, we are struggling with a gigantic financial crisis, and resources are few. If you, or someone you know, would be willing to help us come up with a quick plan, or would be willing to donate materials, would you be so kind as to contact me right away? I really don't want to leave my cell phone number here, but if you know me, I'm sure you also know someone who could get it to you.

Likewise, I'm going to need home health care help. Frankly, I'm concerned about going bankrupt from bills as it is, and I don't have any foreseeable resources to pay for help. While Medicare will provide a visiting nurse for 3 days a week, I will likely need much more help. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in pursuing a conversation about helping with Barbara's at-home care, would you contact me?

Wow, I've just asked for a lot there. I'm not the kind that can easily ask for help, but I'm at the end of my ability to know how to resolve these issues. If you cannot help with resources, you can help with prayer. Prayer is a mighty thing, and we serve a mighty God.